Ethel Kennedy, Widow of Robert F. Kennedy, Dead at 96

Ethel Kennedy, Widow of Robert F. Kennedy, Dead at 96

As I delve into the lives of these Kennedy family members, I am struck by their unique and captivating stories, each one intertwined with the rich tapestry of American politics and society.


The Kennedy family is in mourning. 

Ethel Kennedy, the wife of Robert F. Kennedy and sister-in-law of President John F. Kennedy, passed away on October 10th, a week after being admitted to the hospital due to a stroke. She was 96 years old.

With deep affection, we share the sad news that our cherished grandmother, Ethel Kennedy, has passed away. This was announced by her grandson, Joe Kennedy III, on behalf of the family via a post on X, which used to be Twitter. She passed this morning due to complications following a stroke she experienced last week. Besides a lifetime dedicated to social justice and human rights, our dear mother is survived by nine children, 34 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren, as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

In my role as a lifestyle guide, I’d say: “I was deeply rooted in my Catholic faith, regularly attending mass, and today, I find solace in the belief that I’ve been reunited with my beloved husband, Robert F. Kennedy, our sons David and Michael, daughter-in-law Mary, grandchildren Maeve and Saoirse, and great-grandchildren Gideon and Josie. I kindly ask for your heartfelt thoughts and prayers as we remember this extraordinary journey together.

On October 8th, Kerry Kennedy, Ethel’s daughter, shared that her mother had experienced a stroke during the night.

The message from X states that “She is content, receiving top-notch treatment, and being lovingly supported by her family.” It’s important to note that she is a resilient woman who has lived an incredibly rich life. We are taking great care of her.

Kerry additionally shared details about her mother’s recent months, noting that each day she spent quality time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She was fortunate enough to go boating, visit the pier, and share numerous meals with family. It has been a precious experience for everyone involved, benefiting her as well.

Ethel Kennedy, Widow of Robert F. Kennedy, Dead at 96

As a lifestyle expert, I’d like to shed light on an extraordinary family that I’ve had the privilege to delve into. Born from the union of Ethel and Robert Kennedy, this family is not just large but also deeply influential. Among their 11 children, some notable figures include Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Joseph P. Kennedy II, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Courtney Kennedy Hill, Kerry, Christopher Kennedy, Max Kennedy, Douglas Kennedy, and Rory Kennedy. Unfortunately, they also lost two sons – David, who tragically passed away at 28 due to a drug overdose in 1984, and Michael, who met his end in a skiing accident at 39 in 1997. This family’s story is a testament to resilience, influence, and the human experience that transcends beyond numbers.

In a ski trip in 1945, Ethel, who was the daughter of coal entrepreneur George Skakel and Anne Brannack, encountered Robert. At that time, he was dating Ethel’s elder sister Patricia. As per the JFK Library, after their breakup, Ethel started dating Robert Kennedy, the second eldest son of the Kennedy family. They got married in 1950 and remained together until Robert’s assassination in 1968, during his campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Ethel Kennedy, Widow of Robert F. Kennedy, Dead at 96

Ever since the untimely passing of Robert F. Kennedy at the tender age of 42, the remarkable Ethel – his devoted wife and founder of the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights – chose to honor his legacy by remaining a single woman. As her eleven offspring matured, they often found themselves contemplating their intricate bond with their resilient mother, a connection that mirrored the profound impact she had on our world.

In Robert Jr.’s 2018 memoir, “American Values: Lessons I Learned from My Family“, he expressed that the way he perceived his mother’s love wasn’t always constant and unconditional. He described her methods as what we now refer to as ‘tough love’, a style that didn’t resonate with him, given his challenging response. As a child, I couldn’t see the unique qualities she possessed because they were largely hidden from my view.

Simultaneously, the previously announced 2024 presidential candidate – who has children Robert Kennedy III (age 40), Kathleen “Kick” Kennedy (age 36) with ex Emily Ruth Black; Conor Kennedy (age 30), Krissa Kennedy (age 29), William Kennedy (age 26), and Aidan Kennedy (age 23) with ex Mary Richardson – acknowledged that he too was responsible for the challenging relationship he had with his mothers.

Ethel Kennedy, Widow of Robert F. Kennedy, Dead at 96

He mentioned that he has had conflicts with his mother since the day he was born. To him, her outbursts of anger seemed random and aimless, and they were usually aimed at him more than any of his other siblings. His rebellious spirit and tendency to call out her inconsistencies might have fueled her disapproval. Additionally, his drug use after his father’s passing definitely intensified the disagreement.

Previously, Rory had shared her mother’s stoic character with us. In an interview with Vogue in 2012, she described her as such: “That’s just who she is.” Unlike our own reflections, her mother doesn’t dwell on past moments. Instead, she presses forward and carries on.

Keep reading for a look at the full Kennedy family tree.

Ethel Kennedy, Widow of Robert F. Kennedy, Dead at 96

Joseph Patrick “Joe” Kennedy married Rose Elizabeth Fitzgerald on Oct. 7, 1914.

Ethel Kennedy, Widow of Robert F. Kennedy, Dead at 96

By 1932, they had a family of nine: Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., John F. Kennedy, Rosemary Kennedy, Kathleen Kennedy, Eunice Kennedy, Patricia Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, Jean Kennedy, and Edward Kennedy.

Ethel Kennedy, Widow of Robert F. Kennedy, Dead at 96

Born July 25, 1915, Joe Jr. was going to be president, as far as his father was concerned.

He attended the Democratic National Convention in 1940 as a delegate and had intentions to seek a position in Congress following his Navy service. However, at the age of 29, he along with his fellow pilot Wilford John Willy, tragically lost their lives on August 12, 1944. Their untimely demise occurred when the explosives they were transporting accidentally detonated during a bombing mission that was part of Operation Aphrodite.

The bodies of the pilots were never found, and their names are listed on the memorial tablets in the Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial, dedicated to the fallen soldiers of World War II.

Ethel Kennedy, Widow of Robert F. Kennedy, Dead at 96

Born on May 29, 1917, it was John who achieved the positions of Congressman, U.S. Senator, and eventually, President of the United States in 1960.

On September 12, 1953, he tied the knot with Jacqueline Bouvier, and they were blessed with a daughter named Caroline Kennedy on November 27, 1957, followed by their son John F. Kennedy Jr. who was born on November 25, 1960.

In 1956, a baby girl named Arabella was tragically stillborn, while Patrick, their son, who arrived prematurely on August 7, 1963, lived for just 39 hours.

JFK was assassinated on Nov. 22, 1963, one of the defining events of the 20th century.

Ethel Kennedy, Widow of Robert F. Kennedy, Dead at 96

During the Obama administration, Caroline served as the U.S. Ambassador to Japan, while she was the Ambassador to Australia during the Biden administration. In 1986, she tied the knot with Edwin “Ed” Schlossberg.

They have children named Rose Kennedy Schlossberg, born on June 25, 1988, Tatiana Kennedy Schlossberg, born on May 5, 1990, and John “Jack” Bouvier Kennedy Schlossberg, born in January 1993.

TV producer Rose went to Harvard like her mom and married restaurateur Rory McAuliffe in 2022.

In 2014, Tatiana, who was unaware that her New York Times article on a deceased bear discovered in Central Park would later connect to her cousin RFK Jr., graduated from Yale University and wed her college sweetheart George Moran. They were blessed with a child, Edwin Jr., in the year 2022.

Jack—a Yale alum, graduate of Harvard’s JD/MBA program and quite the hoot on social media—spoke at the 2024 DNC Convention and is a political correspondent for Vogue.

Ethel Kennedy, Widow of Robert F. Kennedy, Dead at 96

In 1988, a man who later became known as the former first son was named the “Sexiest Man Alive” by People magazine. At that time, he was widely regarded as one of the most desirable single men on Earth. He tied the knot with Calvin Klein publicist Carolyn Bessette on September 21, 1996.

Tragically, John F. Kennedy Jr., who frequently caused sorrow to his family, passed away at a young age, similar to his father. His life, filled with promise, was cut short when he and Carolyn, as well as Lauren Bessette, perished in a plane crash on July 16, 1999.

Ethel Kennedy, Widow of Robert F. Kennedy, Dead at 96

Rosemary (at right, with sister Kathleen and mom Rose) was born Sept. 13, 1918.

As a devoted follower recounting my experiences, I can share that during my time at a unique educational institution designed for students facing learning challenges, I, Rosemary, grappled with behavioral struggles. This turbulence in my conduct eventually led my father to make the difficult decision to subject me to a prefrontal lobotomy when I turned 23 years old.

After undergoing the experimental treatment, which was believed to be a possible solution for mental health issues that Joe had high expectations for, Rosemary unfortunately ended up severely disabled and was confined in an institution for the remainder of her life (she passed away on Jan. 7, 2005).

For quite some time, I held the conviction that she might’ve carried on the Kennedy legacy at her own pace, but that notion vanished swiftly within mere minutes, as I shared with historian Doris Kearns Goodwin many years down the line.

Ethel Kennedy, Widow of Robert F. Kennedy, Dead at 96

Born Feb. 20, 1920, Kathleen got a kick out of life, hence her jaunty nickname.

She wed William Cavendish, the Marquess of Hartington, in a civil ceremony held in London on May 6, 1944, despite her mother’s disapproval, as her fiancé was not Catholic. The only family member who attended the wedding was her brother Joe Jr., due to this religious difference.

A month later, William, a major in the British Army, was killed by a sniper in Belgium.

She stayed in England and developed feelings for William Wentworth-Fitzwilliam, the 8th Earl Fitzwilliam who was already married. Unfortunately, before they could obtain a divorce, they tragically passed away when the plane transporting them to the French Riviera crashed on May 13, 1948.

Ethel Kennedy, Widow of Robert F. Kennedy, Dead at 96

Eunice was born July 10, 1921.

Eleanor, a dedicated humanitarian and creator of the Special Olympics, tied the knot with Robert Sargent Shriver Jr. on May 23, 1953.

The Shrivers have five kids: Robert “Bobby” Shriver III (born on April 28, 1954), Maria Shriver (born November 6, 1955), Timothy (August 29, 1959), Mark (February 17, 1964) and Anthony (July 20, 1965).

At the age of 88, Eunice was survived by 19 grandchildren, among them being Maria’s four children with her former spouse Arnold Schwarzenegger: Katherine (born December 13, 1989), Patrick (September 18, 1993), Christina (July 23, 1991), and Christopher (September 27, 1997).

Ethel Kennedy, Widow of Robert F. Kennedy, Dead at 96

In familiar terms across the nation, Bobby Kennedy exchanged marriage vows with Ethel Skakel on June 17, 1950.

In the end, they welcomed eleven kids into their family: Kathleen, Joseph II, Robert Jr., David, Courtney, Michael, Kerry, Christopher, Maxwell, Douglas, and Rory.

Ethel was carrying Rory when Bobby was tragically killed on June 6, 1968, not long after he had triumphantly won the California Democratic primary.

David Kennedy tragically passed away due to a drug overdose on the 25th of April, 1984, at the young age of 28. On the last day of December, 1997, Michael Kennedy met an unfortunate end when he collided with a tree while skiing and playing catch with a football during a family vacation in Aspen, Colorado. The deceased was 37 years old and had three children with his wife, Victoria Gifford.

Ethel Kennedy’s husband passed away when their oldest child was just 16 years old. Despite this tragedy, she has since become the grandmother of 34 grandchildren. Unfortunately, two of her grandchildren have passed away: Courtney and Paul Hill’s daughter Saoirse Hill, who was 22 and lost her life in an accidental drug overdose in 2019, and Maeve Kennedy McKean, the daughter of Kathleen and David Townsend, who died at the age of 40 in a canoeing accident in 2020.

Ethel Kennedy, Widow of Robert F. Kennedy, Dead at 96

RFK Jr., born Jan. 17, 1954, is a thrice-married father of six.

He has a son, Robert Francis “Bobby” Kennedy III (born in 1984), and a daughter, Kathleen “Kick” Kennedy (born in 1988), whom he shares with his former spouse Emily Black.

They divorced in 1994 after 12 years of marriage.

Ethel Kennedy, Widow of Robert F. Kennedy, Dead at 96

RFK III has been married to CIA analyst turned author and TV host Amaryllis Fox since 2017.

They have Bobby (born on January 7, 2019) and Cassius Watts Thoreau Kennedy (born on August 30, 2021), as well as Zoë, Amaryllis’ child from a prior relationship.

 Ethel Kennedy, Widow of Robert F. Kennedy, Dead at 96

In a conversation with Town & Country in 2012, the Stanford alumnus expressed that he often views life as an amalgamation of various experiences, some pleasant and some challenging. He believes that accumulating more experiences leads to a richer life.

In August 2024, a brief acquaintance with Ben Affleck was enough to make Kick Kennedy become a popular topic on social media trends, following Jennifer Lopez’s divorce filing against him.

Affleck’s representatives swiftly dismissed rumors of a romantic involvement, clarifying to TopMob News that all reports about him and Kick are false.

So nothing about being a Kennedy had really changed in a decade. Or a century.

In an interview with T&C, she shared, “Often, people wonder, ‘What is it like to be a Kennedy?’ To which I reply, it feels almost surreal, like swimming in unfamiliar waters. I’m always left thinking, ‘I’m not sure.’ When I spot my likeness or name in the gossip columns, a tightness grips my stomach. It’s not an accurate portrayal of who I am—it’s like reading fiction.

Nevertheless, there was a sense of connection between her and her namesake great aunt, who passed away a couple of years prior to her father’s birth.

“It’s funny how similar we are,” Kick mused. “She was fun and social and a performer in many ways.”

Ethel Kennedy, Widow of Robert F. Kennedy, Dead at 96

In the year 1994, RFK Jr. exchanged vows with Mary Richardson. Together, they welcomed four children: Conor Richardson Kennedy (born on July 25th), Kyra LeMoyne Kennedy (August 22nd), William Finbar “Finn” Kennedy (November 8th), and Aidan Caohman Vieques Kennedy (July 13th).

The couple were legally separated when Mary died by suicide in 2012.

Ethel Kennedy, Widow of Robert F. Kennedy, Dead at 96

Father and sons: Conor, Aidan and RFK III.

Ethel Kennedy, Widow of Robert F. Kennedy, Dead at 96

Since becoming well-known at age 18 as a Harvard student and introducing Taylor Swift to his family, Conor has kept a relatively quiet lifestyle, beyond his notable activism and other adventures.

The brief fling they had together ended after a few months, yet Conor proceeded to attend and graduate from Georgetown Law School. However, their tale managed to make the news headlines.

“Taylor Swift’s ex Conor Kennedy” is now engaged to singer Giulia Be.

Ethel Kennedy, Widow of Robert F. Kennedy, Dead at 96

Kyra, a regular among the high-fashion set, lives in Milan.

On August 27, 2024, she shared a video (in collaboration with Elle and Bvlgari) where she mentioned that she’s currently developing a tribute project in honor of her deceased mother.

She wonders if she’s gone through a transformation in her life. To which I can confirm, yes, there’s been a definite change. As a child, I was someone entirely different. But when I grew into adulthood, I underwent a significant shift in personality.

Ethel Kennedy, Widow of Robert F. Kennedy, Dead at 96

RFK Jr. married Curb Your Enthusiasm star Cheryl Hines in 2014.

The actress shares daughter Catherine Young (born March 8, 2004) with ex-husband Paul Young

Ethel Kennedy, Widow of Robert F. Kennedy, Dead at 96

On Father’s Day in 2018, Kick expressed gratitude on Instagram by saying, “I appreciate you for providing me with such a fun-loving bunch of siblings!

Ethel Kennedy, Widow of Robert F. Kennedy, Dead at 96

As a devoted admirer, I’d like to share that Senator Ted Kennedy, often considered more intriguing than a significant portion of his kin combined, was blessed with three children from his first marriage to Joan Bennett. These children include Kara Kennedy (born February 27, 1960), Edward Kennedy Jr. (September 26, 1961), and Patrick Kennedy II (born July 14, 1967).

He and Joan divorced in 1982 after 24 years of marriage and he wed Victoria Reggie in 1992.

Kara suffered a fatal heart attack on Sept. 16, 2011, two years after her father died.

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2024-10-10 19:20